No badges this week, but you’re in town and looking for something to do?
Here is a sampling of offerings around the area during spring break.
If live music is what you want, there’s a lot of tunes being played.
On any other week during its season, Aiken’s Amp the Alley would be reserved for Thursday night. This week kicks off the season with a different act every night
On Monday, it’s The Experiment and the I-20 Horns; Tuesday is Dave “Muz” Mercer; Wednesday is Prettier than Matt; The Runout is set for Thursday; August Haze is Friday and The Grumble is Saturday.
The full season lineup will be announced soon.
Also kicking off this week is the annual Hopelands Gardens concert series.
The Lady and the Gents will be at Hopelands at 6 p.m. Monday.
Bring a picnic (no alcohol) and a lawn chair or blanket for the free concert. Go here for the full lineup for the rest of the series or call (803) 642-7600 (press 3) for more information.
On Tuesday, Rock Fore! Dough returns at the Evans Towne Center Park.
The 21st Rock Fore! Dough features Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Channing Wilson, DJ ROCK and The Mason Jars.
Since its inception, Rock Fore! Dough has raised more $1.8 million for First Tee – Augusta.
Advanced tickets are $40. To learn more, go here.
Also Tuesday is the Aiken Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Aiken.
“This event brings together a variety of emerging and established visual and performing artists, craft vendors, arts organizations, downtown businesses, locals and tourists. By bringing the community together during this popular week, the Aiken Art Walk presents a unique and vibrant cultural Aiken experience to locals and visitors. Delight in the musical talents of street side performers while you peruse a variety of pop-up shops of gifted artisans,” according to the Facebook event post.
The Loomis Bros. Circus will be the Hephzibah Agricultural Center for three shows April 8-9.
It’s the new 2025 Country Western Edition with daredevils, acrobats and performing animals.
For tickets, go here.
Opening for two weekends on April 11, Melanie Marnich’s “These Shining Lives” follows the compelling stories of the “Radium Girls” – young women in the 1920s and 1930s who painted the faces of luminous watches and clocks with radioactive paint, according to a news release from Aiken Community Theatre.
It will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 11-12, 18-19 and at 2 p.m. April 13, at the Aiken Community Theatre, 126 Newberry St. SW.
For tickets, go here or call (803) 648-1438.
Want to get outside?
Aiken Fest features 21 of the most popular fair rides for adults and children, famous fair food and fun games for the whole family to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds. It wraps up April 13.
And the pink full moon hike is scheduled for Phinizy Swamp Nature Park April 11.
You will have an option to register for a “Shorter/Kid Friendly” hike that will start at 7:45 p.m. and go to 9 p.m. or register for the regular “Pink” moon hike that will start at 8:45 p.m. and can go to 11 p.m., according to Phinizy’s Facebook page.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
